All Chapters of SLEEPING NEXT TO A STRANGER : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

NINA."I can't thank you enough, Alex," I said familiarly to him after explaining everything that had happened, my voice lost in gratitude and relief. Alex had been a rock for us, helping us navigate all the challenges thrown at us.“ I cannot say how grateful I was for his support and guidance”. I added. After completing his speech, I turned to my husband, Drew, resting beside me on the couch. "Honey, please, where is Morel?" I would like to see him," Drew said to me, his eyes scanning the room live in search of our little boy."Okay, my love, let me quickly call him," I said and got off the couch and walked up to the hallway. "Morel! Morel!" I hollered loud enough for him to hear. Suddenly, I heard the patter of little feet running towards the living room. "Yes, Mommy!" came his answer, voice full of excitement. Upon entering the room, he found Drew and his lips broke into a huge smile."Daddy!" he yelled , hastening towards Drew for the tightest hug. Drew laughed and lifted him in

ASHLEY.Confused as I was, I just stood there watching her-an exceptionally confident and self-possessed woman. With a grace that suggested she had either met him before, or might even know him intimately, but I couldn't quite place her. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement; they seemed to be hiding a secret from me. The feeling of disquiet grew and my memory started raking around to check if any manipulation could be found to explain her familiarity."I'm sorry, dear, who are you, please?" I asked her, trying to introduce some modicum of politeness and formality with which she would find difficult to confront my confused state. But she just smiled, her lips curling up in a subtle, knowing smile. "But I just told you my name, right?" she replied, that voice dripping with a hint of teasing. Any better? My cheeks felt warm from the blood; I must have missed something but I had no idea. "It's just a kind question, dear," I said to ease the mortification that had been creeping betw

ASHLEY POVI moved at an increasing pace through the crowded market stalls. I quickly approached the friendly saleswoman and requested her to serve me more quickly."My newborn is home alone," I told the madam urgently. The seller showed a gentle expression and gave an apologetic nod. She apologized for being late as she accelerated her work to process my sale while addressing me as "mam."My mind raced with thoughts of my newborn and the tasks awaiting me at home while I fidgeted with anticipation as I waited. A seemingly endless wait came to an end when I finished purchasing. After completing my payment to the seller I collected my bags and exited the market feeling a deep sense of relief. Today I will discover Ezra's intentions," I declared to myself while determination showed across my face. The journey back home began when I entered the car, my thoughts consumed by the upcoming confrontation.To prevent alerting anyone inside my house, I did not use my car horn as I drove closer.

ASHLEY.As Ezra's words continued to echo through the air I stood motionless, shock paralyzing me while his piercing gaze locked onto mine causing my heart to plummet. His voice had a hidden poison as he calmly told me “ Ava and I had a child together”.His words wounded my soul deeply like a sharp knife cutting through my very being as I fought for breath.As I looked at my former lover I felt the revelation hit my abdomen with the force of a physical blow while I tried to understand its meaning. “I need to understand the man I ended up with”, The question repeated in my thoughts like a mantra of despair.The heavy tension between us became broken by Ezra's phone ringing abruptly like an off-key sound. His eyes remained fixed on mine while he picked up the phone with a low urgent tone. "How come?" His words showed concern mixed with panic. "How did he escape?" His voice climbed in anger while he spoke those words.I instantly recognized they were discussing about Morel. Ezra stared

NINA The setting sun bathed the familiar facade in golden light as we arrived at the house and relief washed over me. As the lengthy workday ended I looked forward to releasing the burden of my duties so I could exist freely. I shut off the engine while the cooling metal emitted a soft ticking sound which signaled the upcoming silence. Our exit from the car was marked by the doors shutting with a soft thud which resonated through the quiet evening atmosphere. Finally, we got to the house. The cool air-conditioned space welcomed me as my voice echoed "Honey, I'm back." The familiar sound of floorboards creaking under my feet always created a sense of warmth and welcome for me. The door shut behind me with a gentle click of the latch which assured me of my safety and the comfort of being home.Drew responded with "Yea, my love," his voice carried from the living room where the television light illuminated his face warmly. A smile spread across my face as I felt contentment washing ov